Nim's Island: questions to ask and activities to try
Nim lives on an island with her dad and her animal friends, until her dad disappears. Nim's Island is a classic adventure about bravery and independence.
What age is it for? Nim's Island is best for ages 8–10. Good for: A girl alone on an island, being brave.
Nim's Island (Wendy Orr and Kerry Millard)
- Age
- 8-10
- Best for
- A girl alone on an island, being brave
Read a chapter a night with older children. Talk about how Nim stays brave.
What it helps with
- Independence and bravery
- Animals and nature
- Problem solving
- Classic adventure
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Who lives on the island?”
- “What happened to Jack?”
- “How did Nim cope?”
- “Who helped her?”
- “What was most dangerous?”
- “What would you need on an island?”
5-minute activities to try together
Island survival
List what you'd need to survive on an island.
Email a hero
Write an email to an author you admire.
Free printables: Nim's Island worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
Elen's Island (Eloise Williams)
- Best for
- A summer on a tiny island with a grandmother she hardly knows
- Age
- 7-10
The Abominables (Eva Ibbotson and Jamie Littler)
- Best for
- Smuggling a family of yetis across Europe
- Age
- 8-11
Polly and the Puffin (Jenny Colgan and Thomas Docherty)
- Best for
- Caring for an injured puffin, and letting go
- Age
- 5-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.